Red, white and blue mixes with maroon and gold as ASU celebrates Veterans Day. Salute to Service events can be found across ASU's campuses throughout November to honor veterans and active members of the military.
Whether a member of the military or curious onlooker, all ASU community members are invited to the following events.
Nov. 7: Climate Change and National Security
Located in Wrigley Hall Room 481, this Tempe event features Lt. Gen. Dirk Jameson, a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force for three decades before retiring. At this event, Jameson will talk about the connection between climate change and national security.
The event starts at 8:30 a.m. and is co-sponsored by the American Security Project. This discussion is free to attend and will offer a complimentary light breakfast.
Nov. 7: Salute to Service: Reading of the Names
The ASU Alumni Association, ASU Symphonic Carillon and the ASU Veterans Alumni Chapter are hosting this annual event on the steps of Old Main on ASU's Tempe campus. The names of ASU's 137 Fallen will be read by leaders of the Veterans Alumni Chapter from noon to 12:20 p.m.
Brendan O'Connor, assistant professor in the School of Transborder Studies and University Carillonneur, will play the carillon for the event.
"I think it's important to pause and reflect on the significance of those who have served and the impact that service has on both the University and our country," O'Connor said. "Music gives us an opportunity to stop and truly appreciate those members in our communities."
Nov. 8: Salute to Service Reception
Pat Tillman Veterans Center and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will host a reception for all students, faculty and staff who are either on active duty or veterans. Military-affiliated families are welcome to attend the event, which will include a program of speakers and a casual reception. All active serving personnel and veteran attendees will receive a free Salute to Service shirt.
Steven Borden, director of the Pat Tillman Veterans Center services, said celebrating those who serve in the U.S. military is a key characteristic of ASU's charter.
"What is extremely important to ASU is who we include and how those students succeed," Borden said. "All of these events show that the University welcomes veteran communities."
Borden said events that celebrate active serving personnel and veterans are an opportunity for community members to show their appreciation as well as make new connections.
Nov. 9: Sparky's Touchdown Tailgate: ASU vs. USC
Three hours before kickoff of the ASU vs. USC football game, Sparky's Touchdown Tailgate will take place on College Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets and will feature live entertainment, a photo booth, airbrush tattoos and a U.S. Army All Terrain Fighting Vehicle to bring awareness to assets used by the U.S. military.
"To have Salute to Service as the framework for these events, we can tell stories about the history of serving one's country in addition to sharing personal stories," Borden said.
He said Salute to Service gives the University a chance to give insight into military service as well as offer opportunities for veterans.
This event is open to the public and free to attend.
Nov. 9: Salute to Service: Sun Devil Football vs. USC
Sun Devils will welcome the Black Daggers, who will parachute into the stadium during the pre-game. The game is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. Military leaders will be recognized as one of the many in-game elements to honor veterans.
"We ask game attendees to arrive inside the stadium earlier than usual in order to see this incredible feat of military skill and precision and cheer on this great team of soldiers as they land on the field," an ASU spokesperson said in an email statement to The State Press.
Nov. 21: Edson College Salute to Service
At the Grace Center for Innovation in Nursing Education at ASU's Downtown campus, the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation will showcase clinical simulation labs that prepare students to care for veterans.
Tours taking participants through the various clinical simulations labs will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Reach the reporter at kreinha3@asu.edu and follow @ReinhartKatelyn on Twitter.
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